Orthogonal spin–orbit torque-induced deterministic switching in NiO

IF 3.5 2区物理与天体物理 Q2 PHYSICS, APPLIED

Applied Physics Letters Pub Date : 2024-10-30 DOI:10.1063/5.0223716

Yixiao Qiao, Zhengde Xu, Zhuo Xu, Yumeng Yang, Zhifeng Zhu

引用次数: 0

Abstract

The electrical switching of antiferromagnet (AFM) is very important for the development of ultrafast magnetic random-access memory (MRAM). This task becomes more difficult in antiferromagnetic oxide NiO, which has complex anisotropy. We show that by utilizing two spin–orbit torques (SOTs) from orthogonal currents, one can deterministically switch the magnetic moments of NiO in two electrical distinguishable states that can be read out using the spin Hall magnetoresistance. This deterministic switching relies on the symmetry of SOT on different sublattices, where the sign reversal of magnetic moments leads to constructive torques in the beginning and balanced torques in the end. In addition, we show that the easy-plane anisotropy plays a key role in the switching, which has been ignored in some previous works. The uniform magnetic dynamics in this work provides a clear physical picture in understanding the SOT switching of NiO. Furthermore, the electrical writing and reading function in our device advances the development of AFM-MRAM.

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镍氧化物中正交自旋轨道转矩诱导的确定性开关

反铁磁体（AFM）的电开关对于超快磁随机存取存储器（MRAM）的开发非常重要。这项任务在具有复杂各向异性的反铁磁性氧化物 NiO 中变得更加困难。我们的研究表明，通过利用来自正交电流的两个自旋轨道力矩（SOT），可以在两个电学可区分状态下确定性地切换氧化镍的磁矩，而这两个状态可以利用自旋霍尔磁阻读出。这种确定性切换依赖于不同子晶格上的 SOT 对称性，其中磁矩的符号反转会导致开始时的构造转矩和结束时的平衡转矩。此外，我们还证明了易平面各向异性在切换中起着关键作用，而这一点在之前的一些研究中被忽略了。这项研究中的匀磁动力学为理解氧化镍的 SOT 开关提供了一幅清晰的物理图景。此外，我们器件中的电写入和读取功能推动了 AFM-MRAM 的发展。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Applied Physics Letters 物理-物理：应用

CiteScore

6.40

自引率

10.00%

发文量

1821

审稿时长

1.6 months

期刊介绍： Applied Physics Letters (APL) features concise, up-to-date reports on significant new findings in applied physics. Emphasizing rapid dissemination of key data and new physical insights, APL offers prompt publication of new experimental and theoretical papers reporting applications of physics phenomena to all branches of science, engineering, and modern technology. In addition to regular articles, the journal also publishes invited Fast Track, Perspectives, and in-depth Editorials which report on cutting-edge areas in applied physics. APL Perspectives are forward-looking invited letters which highlight recent developments or discoveries. Emphasis is placed on very recent developments, potentially disruptive technologies, open questions and possible solutions. They also include a mini-roadmap detailing where the community should direct efforts in order for the phenomena to be viable for application and the challenges associated with meeting that performance threshold. Perspectives are characterized by personal viewpoints and opinions of recognized experts in the field. Fast Track articles are invited original research articles that report results that are particularly novel and important or provide a significant advancement in an emerging field. Because of the urgency and scientific importance of the work, the peer review process is accelerated. If, during the review process, it becomes apparent that the paper does not meet the Fast Track criterion, it is returned to a normal track.